Millwall are set to lose key midfielder George Saville after the Northern Irish international failed to agree terms with the club.
The 32-year-old has been a stalwart for The Lions throughout a tumultuous season, which saw Neil Harris replaced in December and Alex Neil come in as his successor. Saville played in 45 of their 46 Championship games this season, starting 36 times after being handed a 12-month extension prior to the start of the campaign.
Saville Departs The Den
According to a report from Richard Cawley, Saville has rejected a new deal from the club as his current contract expires and will leave Millwall at the end of the month. It is believed that The Lions tabled a reduced offer, but have been unable to reach an agreement.
Saville joined Millwall from Middlesbrough in 2021 for his fourth stint at The Den, with this being his most fruitful spell. He has played 174 times since arriving from Teesside and has been a major leadership figure in the squad. With 49 appearances this term, he was a key part of an unlikely playoff push which fell short in the final weeks of the season.
The club are currently dealing with other out-of-contract players such as George Honeyman, who has been targeted by Blackpool, and Danny McNamara. Millwall are also at risk of losing defender Japhet Tanganga with a Premier League transfer release clause worth £1.2 million in his current deal.
Writers’ View
George Saville’s experience and leadership qualities can’t be easily replicated so for Millwall to lose him is a big blow. It makes sense as to why he was offered reduced terms with his age, but this season was arguably his strongest yet, with his defensive abilities and control, especially towards the end of the season, being a key part of their eighth-placed finish. Whoever signs him on a free transfer will gain a great player still in his prime. For Alex Neil’s club, his departure signals a major shift in developing younger talent and could see more regular game time for Billy Mitchell or bring a player like Alfie Massey into the first team picture more often.
